TOKYO — All Nippon Airways or ANA (NH) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency have launched what they describe as the world’s first fully automated atmospheric observation system operating on scheduled commercial airline flights, bringing satellite-grade climate monitoring into routine aviation service.
The system is now active on ANA flights departing from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), enabling continuous, high-resolution monitoring of greenhouse gases over urban regions without requiring manual setup or onboard intervention. The partners say the technology marks a new step in how climate data can be gathered at scale by combining the reach of space-based observation with the frequency of commercial flight operations.
Satellite-Grade Monitoring Moves Into the Aircraft Cabin
According to ANA and JAXA, the initiative integrates advanced remote sensing equipment—previously used in orbit—into an aircraft-based platform designed for regular airline operations. The goal is to capture detailed atmospheric composition data across urban areas where emissions are concentrated.
ANA Holdings Inc. and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency have achieved a global first by deploying an automated atmospheric composition monitoring system on scheduled commercial flights.
The project adapts advanced satellite remote sensing technology for permanent installation inside a commercial aircraft, allowing continuous data collection during routine operations.
The effort is built on joint research that began in September 2020. That work focused on collecting accurate atmospheric readings from inside aircraft cabins, with particular attention on densely populated metropolitan regions. ANA and JAXA note these areas are responsible for an estimated 70 to 80 percent of global human-generated carbon dioxide emissions, making them a priority for high-precision observation.
Built on JAXA’s GOSAT Satellite Technology
The observation capability is derived from JAXA’s Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite, known as GOSAT or IBUKI, first launched in 2009. The partners say shifting that proven space-based technology to aircraft platforms will help fill gaps that satellites alone may not consistently address.
By operating closer to the surface than orbiting satellites, aircraft-based measurements can offer more granular readings tied to specific locations. In combination with wide-area satellite monitoring, ANA and JAXA say the approach strengthens the overall accuracy and resilience of greenhouse gas measurement networks.
From Manual Test Flights to Fully Automated Operations
Before this launch, the program relied on trial operations that required manual preparation. Earlier test flights depended on JAXA-developed equipment being configured by hand prior to each mission, limiting how easily the monitoring could be expanded or maintained across routine airline schedules.
The new system removes that constraint.
The observation equipment is now permanently integrated into a modified section of an ANA Boeing 737 cabin.
Automation enables uninterrupted operation across regular commercial flights without additional crew workload or flight disruption. This marks the first time satellite-based atmospheric sensing has been fully automated within scheduled airline services.
The ability to run continuously without manual intervention is a key change, enabling more frequent measurements without disrupting airline operations. ANA and JAXA say this creates a practical model for scaling atmospheric monitoring through existing commercial flight networks.
Strengthening Urban Emissions Data and Climate Accountability
The partners say the data collected will support more detailed analysis of urban greenhouse gas emissions, as well as evaluations of how effective emissions reduction measures are over time. With many climate commitments hinging on accurate measurement and reporting, improved monitoring could help governments and organizations better assess progress toward targets.
The results contribute directly to international climate frameworks, including the goals set under the Paris Agreement.
ANA and JAXA plan to expand the range of observed datasets over time. The objective is to develop data-driven services for international organizations, national governments, private enterprises, and local authorities. These datasets are intended to provide scientific evidence for policy decisions and emissions reduction strategies.
By expanding both the frequency and resolution of greenhouse gas observations, the partners position the project as a potential tool for policymakers and business stakeholders looking for more reliable emissions intelligence, particularly in complex urban environments where activity levels fluctuate.
Broader Research Plans Beyond Greenhouse Gases
While the initial focus is atmospheric composition monitoring, ANA and JAXA say the collaboration is expected to grow into other applications tied to environmental monitoring and climate resilience.
Future research will extend beyond greenhouse gas monitoring. By combining aviation platforms with space-based systems, ANA and JAXA aim to address broader global challenges, including environmental monitoring and climate resilience.
The partnership also includes the development of technologies that collect Global Navigation Satellite System data alongside atmospheric measurements. This improves positional accuracy and enhances the reliability of observed data.
For ANA, the deployment underscores a broader push to integrate advanced technology into airline operations beyond traditional safety and efficiency improvements. For JAXA, it provides a new platform for applying space-derived sensing tools in real-world conditions with greater measurement frequency than satellites alone can deliver.
With the system now operating out of Tokyo Haneda Airport, the partners are expected to continue refining the data collection approach and expanding the scope of measurements, building a hybrid observation model that links aviation and aerospace infrastructure in the service of climate monitoring.
